KPop: Demon Hunters star Ji-young Yoo shared one of her most unexpected fan encounters while attending the Critics’ Choice Awards 2026 ceremony.
The Denver-born actress, who voices Zoey, the energetic rapper in KPop: Demon Hunters, told E! News that fans continued to recognise her even during a medical emergency.
“I would say the weirdest place I’ve been asked for a signature is in the hospital,” Yoo said. She explained that she had hurt her back at the time but reassured fans that she has since recovered.
Since its release on Netflix, KPop: Demon Hunters has become a global hit, drawing strong fan engagement across social media and streaming charts. Yoo and her co-stars, Arden Cho (Rumi) and May Young (Mira), acknowledged that the surge in popularity has been both overwhelming and thrilling.
EJAE and Mark Sonnenblick, winners of the Best Song Award for 'Golden' in the film "KPop Demon Hunters", speak onstage with Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna during the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards pic.twitter.com/2i54o0QonO
— Ejae Daily✨ (@EjaeRumiBias) January 5, 2026Read: KPop Demon Hunters Creator Rejects Live-Action Version
Cho said none of the cast expected the level of attention the film would receive. She added that the team is already excited about the possibility of a sequel and even joked about a dream collaboration with BTS, following the group’s recent comeback.
At the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, KPop: Demon Hunters earned nominations for Best Animated Feature alongside Arco, Elio, In Your Dreams, Little Amélie or the Character of Rain, and Zootopia 2. The film was also nominated for Best Song for Golden.
Although the movie did not take home a top prize, Yoo’s appearance underscored the growing global influence of animated storytelling at the awards. The ceremony, hosted by Chelsea Handler, also honoured films such as One Battle After Another and standout performances by Timothée Chalamet and Jessie Buckley.
